The Mitchell Year, 2017-2018

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“Practice the 3Gs – generosity, gratitude, and grace. Generosity means you’re a giver not a taker, that you find fulfillment in helping others. Gratitude means you find pleasure in the little things of life and delight in friendships. Grace means you look for the best in others and strive to bring out the best in yourself.” – Peter T. Mitchell, Ed.D.

Peter T. Mitchell, Ed.D. was Lake Superior State University’s ninth president, serving July 2017 through May 2018. He is a Yooper by birth, an Ishpeming High School graduate, with a B.A. in English and Religion from Albion College, an M.A. in English Language and Literature from the University of Michigan, an Ed.S. in Information Systems Technology from Indiana University and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Northeastern University. He lived in the Soo for 5th and 6th grade and his older brother Chuck is a 1959 graduate of Soo Tech.

Following the tragic death of President Pleger in May 2017, the LSSU Board of Trustees asked Mitchell to serve as president for one year. He had served as a college president for 24 years at Lasell College (Newton, Mass), Columbia College (Columbia, S.C.)) and Albion College.

Columbia and Albion achieved historic record enrollments during his tenure and all three colleges completed successful fundraising campaigns totaling more than $160 million. In 2007, Mitchell founded Proactive Transition Management LLC, a consulting practice specializing in strategic planning, enrollment management, fundraising, and executive searches in higher education.

Mitchell set five major goals for the 2017-18 year: increase enrollment through recruitment and retention; develop a strategic direction; design a viable financial model; hire an excellent permanent president; and secure funding for the Center of Freshwater Research and Education.

Immediately upon arrival on campus, Mitchell established enrollment growth as top priority to offset several years of declining enrollment. In collaboration with director of admissions, Kellie Greener, they designed and implemented a new marketing strategy, and engaged faculty, staff, students, alumni and community leaders in helping to recruit students. The number of first-time freshman increased by 35.9% from 2017 to 2018. This increase is probably the largest one-year gain in all of higher education for the past decade.

The position of Dean of Student Life and Retention was established and Dr. Shelley Wooley served in that role. Several innovative retention strategies were designed and implemented producing significant increases in enrollment. Fall to spring semester carryover enrollment was the highest recorded at 94.4% up 3.5% over the previous year. The one-year retention of freshmen was 72.8% up 8.8% over the previous year. Improving retention is difficult and requires a campus-wide effort. Most institutions would be thrilled with a 1-2% increase in any given year. LSSU’s success is a tribute to the dedication and creativity of everyone – faculty, staff, students.

A draft strategic direction was presented to faculty and staff in October 2017, and revised and refined after numerous meetings. The Board of Trustees approved a final version on December 15, 2017 and the plan began implementation during the second semester.

The strategy focused on returning to Lake State’s roots as an institution that prepared students for meaningful careers and lives of purpose. A new Mission Statement was approved by the Trustees:

We equip our graduates with the knowledge, practical skills and inner strength to craft a life of meaningful employment, personal fulfillment, and generosity of self, all while enhancing the quality of life of the Upper Great Lakes region.

The Board of Trustees also approved a new Vision Statement:

We capitalize on our unique location and mission as a regional state university to be a model for educational innovation and a preferred partner for U.S. and Canadian community and tribal colleges.

The Strategic Direction included a restructuring of academic departments and programs intended to address challenges facing higher education, capitalize on LSSU strengths, opportunities and dreams, create opportunities for greater collaboration and synergy, and most importantly, increase enrollment. The new structure also provided the basis for a new financial model of greater efficiency and more strategic allocation of resources.

Using his experience and expertise in executive searches, Mitchell served as consultant for the presidential search. Twenty-two listening sessions were held for faculty, staff, students, trustees, alumni, community leaders, and tribal leaders. Insights from those sessions were incorporated into the Presidential Prospectus.

More than 60 people applied, seven candidates had video interviews, and four were invited to campus for two-day meetings with all major constituencies. Dr. Rodney S. Hanley was the clear choice based on a feedback survey of all who participated in the meetings and based on the unanimous perception of the Board of Trustees.

Fundraising for the Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE) was the final goal of Mitchell’s LSSU tenure.

The university had to raise $2.95 million to secure a State of Michigan Capital outlay of $8.8 million. By July 1, 2017, $950,000 had been secured. Issues related to the location of CFRE were resolved when President Mitchell and Trustee Chair Rod Nelson met with Governor Snyder’s chief of staff, Dick Posthumus, and Budget Director Al Pscholka. LSSU was permitted to change from renovation of the West Annex of the Cloverland Power Plant to new construction just east of the power plan in Alford Park.

A partnership among LSSU, Cloverland, the City of Sault Ste. Marie and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources was forged to complete the project. Visioning sessions led by CFRE Director Dr. Ashley Moerke and Assistant Director Dr. Kevin Kapuscinski were held and a new facility was designed, at an increased cost $1.4 million, taking the total from $11.8 million to $13.2 million.

The new design was approved by the legislature and the appropriation bill was signed by the governor in July. The increased cost required LSSU to raise $4.35 million. By June 30, 2018 more than $3 million was raised. The Board of Trustees entered into a contract with Proactive Transition Management for Mitchell to assist LSSU through September 30, 2019 to complete the fundraising. Groundbreaking for CFRE took place on July 20, 2018 with an official opening expected by the Spring of 2020.

In addition to achieving the five major goals, the Mitchell year included securing funding of $500,000 from War Memorial Hospital for a new Simulation Center for the Nursing and other allied health programs in the Arts Center; a new three-year contract with the Educational Support Professionals, a one-year contract with the Faculty Association, successful search for a new Provost; and ensuring that the Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) that provided financial assistance to more than 250 LSSU students was not dramatically reduced.

In recognition of his accomplishments and the support of his wife Becky, the Board of Trustees conferred the status of President Emeritus at its May 11, 2018 meeting.

Mitchell considers his LSSU presidency as the most productive and rewarding year of his career.

“Becky and I thoroughly enjoyed the students, faculty and staff, and friends we made in the Soo. Lake State is such a special place. Students are bright and endearing, faculty and staff are talented and dedicated, and alumni and community members are friendly and eager to help,” said Mitchell. “The LSSU Board, and Board Chair Nelson, were the best in my twenty-five years as a president, outstanding in their grasp of the issues, support of innovation, and understanding of the trustee role of policy and strategy versus management and meddling. In reflection, Becky and I can say that every day was a great day at Lake State.”

The Pleger Years, 2014-2017

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“We want to see our students succeed, achieve, and develop an excitement and passion for learning and for the university. We’re redefining the classroom to make that happen. Come see for yourself! A campus tour is the best way to determine if LSSU is the right place for you. We’re confident that once you’re here, you won’t want to leave.” – Thomas Pleger, Ph.D

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Thomas Pleger, Ph.D., was LSSU’s eighth president, serving from July 1, 2014 until his sudden passing on May 7, 2017. Pleger oversaw completion of the R.W. Considine Hall Renovation project. He also played an integral role in securing capital funding for the proposed Center for Freshwater Research and Education. He served on Gov. Rick Snyder’s 21st Century Economy Commission as the only member from the Upper Peninsula. Lake State also gained a 10-year re-accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission in 2016.

Prior to LSSU, Pleger worked 21 years for the University of Wisconsin system, serving most recently as dean and campus executive officer at the University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County.

Pleger received a doctorate in archeology and anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was a licensed archeologist who specialized in the Upper Great Lakes Region, specifically the use of copper technology by prehistoric Native Americans.

Pleger grew up in Marinette, Wisconsin, on the shore of Lake Michigan and Green Bay. He and his wife, Teresa, moved to the Upper Peninsula when he accepted the role of president. An ardent advocate for higher education, Pleger dedicated his brief tenure to serving the students and instilling in them a love of learning.

The Russell Years, 1947-1953

“The Russell era was one of battles of survival. The most significant was in 1948, when the threat of the U.S. Army to re-establish a military presence to again guard the locks found Russell and others marshaling forces to prevent the army from resuming control of old Fort Brady.”

With the help of the community of Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault Branch of Michigan Tech continued to grow as faculty, staff, students and curricula were added. Chester Russell, a former electrical engineering faculty member of Michigan Tech, became the director in the Soo in 1947.

During the Russell years, the curriculum was expanded to include more liberal arts offerings. Student life improved with the addition of intercollegiate football, baseball and track – the teams were called the Hornets. The Lakers would evolve when the branch school became Lake Superior State College.

The Russell era was one of battles of survival. The most significant was in 1948, when the threat of the U.S. Army to re-establish a military presence to again guard the locks found Russell and others marshaling forces to prevent the army from resuming control of old Fort Brady. Governor G. Mennen Williams, Sault Mayor Maurice Hunt and other leading citizens journeyed to Washington, D. C. to save the Sault Branch as an educational institution. Their trip and the efforts of many obviously proved successful, for the army abandoned its efforts.

Professor Russell resigned in 1953 to accept a position at Clarkson College.

The Crawford Years, 1953-1965

“The fight for the Branch’s survival, a familiar refrain in the legislature continued each year. Relations with Michigan Tech’s Board of Control were also tenuous until Judge James J. Fenlon of Sault Ste. Marie was appointed to that board in 1957. A staunch supporter of the Branch, Fenlon was the driving force in the establishment of four-year programs in Sault Ste. Marie.”

On August 25, 1953, Harry L. Crawford was named resident director, having served as branch registrar since 1946. In keeping with Michigan Tech tradition, Mr. Crawford was educated as an electrical engineer.

During the Crawford years the athletic programs expanded and excelled. “Bud” Cooper, a Soo Tech alumnus and athlete, returned as basketball coach and during his tenure, 1953-1960, compiled a remarkable 100-win, 32-loss record.

The fight for the Branch’s survival, a familiar refrain in the legislature continued each year. Relations with Michigan Tech’s Board of Control were also tenuous until Judge James J. Fenlon of Sault Ste. Marie was appointed to that board in 1957. A staunch supporter of the Branch, Fenlon was the driving force in the establishment of four-year programs in Sault Ste. Marie.

Engineering technology degree programs were introduced to the Sault Branch in 1961. Those programs would become some of the most successful of its offerings.

A planning committee at Michigan Tech advocated adding baccalaureate programs at the Sault Branch. Judge Fenlon, Dr. Kenneth Shouldice, Director of War Memorial Hospital and representing the Sault Chamber of Commerce, and others finally succeeded. The Chamber under Dr. Shouldice’s leadership also spearheaded an effort to raise $220,000 to build a girl’s dormitory.

A new science and classroom building, the first such construction on campus, opened in 1964. Later named in honor of Harry L. Crawford, the building still serves today’s students.

Professor Crawford, Director of the Sault Branch since 1953, announced his retirement effective July 31, 1965.

The Shouldice Years, 1965-82

“A major milestone occurred when the North Central Association granted accreditation in 1968 as an operationally separate campus to function at the baccalaureate level.”

Dr. Kenneth J. Shouldice played a dominant role in the development of Lake Superior State University. He persuaded Michigan Tech to grant Sault Branch faculty more control of the curriculum. Key faculty such as Dr. Gale Gleason in biology, Jerry Amernick in business and Dr. Lou Ward in English were hired to develop the programs. A new library was built, later named in his honor.

Programs in technical areas were supplemented with those in the liberal arts and sciences as the Sault Branch moved to complete autonomy from Michigan Tech. Dr. Shouldice moved to change the name to Lake Superior State College of Michigan Technological University in 1966 as a symbol of the evolving autonomy and four-year degree granting status.

With Dr. Shouldice’s drive and energy, the old fort buildings, long dormant, were renovated to serve the growing student body: the post headquarters became the counseling center, the old jail became the music building, and the enlisted men’s barracks became staff offices and students lounge/study areas. Osborn hall (female dorm), Canusa Hall (food service) and Marquette Hall (married student housing) were all added.

After the College acquired land from the city, the maintenance building, parking lots, Crawford Hall of Science addition and a trailer park joined the campus scene.

Just as the academic program faculty and facilities were expanding, so too was student life. Dr. Shouldice supported athletic director Bud Cooper’s request to add a varsity hockey team in 1966. Future Hall of Famer Ron Mason was named coach and thus began a tradition of excellence that continues today. A student senate was started and so were several student organizations.

A major milestone occurred when the North Central Association granted accreditation in 1968 as an operationally separate campus to function at the baccalaureate level.

In June 1968, the institution awarded its first baccalaureate degree. With the support of Governor William Milliken, the legislature and Michigan Tech, on January 1, 1970, Lake Superior State College was established as a separate degree granting institution of higher education in Michigan. Dr. Kenneth Shouldice became the college’s first president in February, 1970.

A college is more than students, books, courses, faculty and staff. It is also tradition. Under leadership of Public Relations director Wilmer “Bill” Rabe, Lake State mainstays like ‘word banishment’ and the ‘snowman burning’ became part of the fabric of the institution.

From 1970 until President Shouldice’s retirement in 1982, many improvements were made to the Lake State physical plant. The Student Village housing complex, Walker Cisler College Center (student union), the planetarium, the James Norris Center, complete with ice arena, Moloney and Neveu Halls were added. Baccalaureate degree programs in the sciences and engineering technology required additional space, so Shouldice again went to work and the state funded the Center for Applied Science and Engineering Technology which opened in 1980. Teacher education, nursing, fisheries and wildlife and other academic programs were added. The first graduate program, a Masters in Business Administration was added in 1981.

In 1974 student enrollment grew to 2000; the college had doubled in size from 1965 to 1974. Student life improved with the addition of women’s basketball, volleyball, softball and tennis. Student services were consolidated in the Fletcher Center, which had served as a campus gymnasium. Support for the students was made possible due to the generosity of H. Thayer Fletcher and Senator Phil Hart, who established scholarship programs at the college.

Dr. Shouldice left the presidency in 1982.

The Light Years, 1982-1986

Dr. Kenneth Light, former Vice President for Academic Affairs, was selected by the Board of Control to succeed President Shouldice in 1982. He was instrumental in establishing the Lake Superior State College Foundation as the institution’s fund-raising arm.

Academic programs such as automated systems engineering technology and fire science were added, and significant strides were made in computer applications in both academic and administrative operations. In addition, an aquatic laboratory was established on the St. Mary’s River with the help of the Edison Sault Electric Company. The Lab continues to make significant contributions to the St. Mary’s River and beyond.

The Shaar Years, 1986-1992

“Dr. Shaar recognized that in order to be a complete University, LSSU needed programs in the fine and performing arts and a facility to house these programs. He worked to persuade the state to fund the planning for such a facility.”

Dr. H. Erik Shaar assumed the Presidency in 1986. He was the first leader of the institution not to be associated with Michigan Tech. Among the highlights of Dr. Shaar’s six-year tenure was the granting of the university status in 1987 and the Laker Hockey rise to national prominence by winning the NCAA Division 1 Championship in 1988 and 1992. Lake State’s student enrolment grew to 3156 in 1988, the first time it exceeded 3000, and would reach an all-time high of 3500 in 1991.

New academic courses were added in Native American Studies and a Native American Center was established.

Dr. Shaar recognized that in order to be a complete University, LSSU needed programs in the fine and performing arts and a facility to house these programs. He worked to persuade the state to fund the planning for such a facility. A change in the political environment saw those resources diverted to the much-need expansion of the Shouldice Library in 1993. The expansion of the Walker Cisler Student and Conference Center was a hallmark of his tenure—the much-needed construction added offices, a dining hall and meeting space to an overtaxed building.

Before Dr. Shaar left to become President of Minot State University (ND) in 1992, he successfully launched a strategic planning effort to chart Lake State’s course for the remainder of the twentieth century.

The Arbuckle Years, 1992-2002

“The University enjoyed spectacular improvements in the physical plant. More than $60 million dollars of capital construction projects were completed in Arbuckle’s tenure…”

Dr. Robert D. Arbuckle became the University’s fourth president on August 1, 1992. Before his move to the Sault, Arbuckle was the chief executive officer at the New Kensington Campus of the Pennsylvania State University System.

The University enjoyed spectacular improvements in the physical plant. More than $60 million dollars of capital construction projects were completed in Arbuckle’s tenure including: expansion of the Kenneth J. Shouldice Library; renovation and expansion of the Harry Crawford Hall of Science; construction of the Student Activity Center which is now named in his honor; an expansion and renovation of the Norris Center’s Ice Arena – Taffy Abel. Several million dollars were used to upgrade student residence halls and the Row Houses as well. His final legacy, in terms of buildings, is the approval and pending construction of the Fine and Performing Arts Center, a $15.3 million project, a Center whose concept dates to the Shouldice era.

Under Dr. Arbuckle’s leadership, several academic programs were expanded including a move from engineering technology to a full engineering program. LSSU reemphasized its commitment to the EUP through the Great Lakes Academy. A full 10-year approval for accreditation was issued. The initiatives are many, and the successes testify to his energy and forge ahead attitudes.

The Pennsylvania native was the driving force in reestablishing the Alumni Association and in hiring the University’s first full-time alumni director in 1993. More than one-third of all LSSU alumni graduated during his term as president. In his 10 years as president, giving to the University has grown from less than $200,000 a year to more than $2 million dollars.

Arbuckle retired on July 1, 2002, having established a reputation as a man of action. More importantly, this man, known as the “Student’s President” touched many lives and left a lasting stamp on this campus.

The Youngblood Years, 2002-2007

“Under Youngblood’s tenure, the university improved its image and increased its clout in Lansing to the point where it benefited the most or very significantly in a number of funding situations. In 2007, State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) credited Youngblood with much behind-the-scenes effort when he announced that LSSU benefited the most in the 2007 House bill for higher education funding.”

LSSU President Betty J. Youngblood retired in September 2007 after five years of service.

The Macomb County, Michigan native came to LSSU in July 2002 from Western Oregon University, where she served as president and also held the rank of professor of political science. Previously, she was chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

Early in her almost 40 year career in higher education, Youngblood taught political science after earning a bachelor of arts in South Asian area studies at Oakland University and a master’s degree in South Asian area studies and a Ph.D. in political science, both from the University of Minnesota.

Her teaching took her to Texas Tech University, the University of West Georgia, and Kennesaw State University (Georgia). At Kennesaw, she moved into administration and later served as vice president for academic affairs at Wesley College (Delaware) and MacMurray College (Illinois), before serving at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, Western Oregon University, and LSSU.

Youngblood inherited very substantial structural deficits in LSSU’s operating and plant budgets. This situation was further complicated by the loss of significant state funding as Michigan’s economy weakened and the state cut appropriations to all universities on several occasions. Youngblood and the staff made many difficult and challenging budgetary decisions in order to stabilize and ultimately improve the budgetary situation at LSSU. The university’s strategic planning activities helped guide these decisions and position the university for stability and growth.

Under Youngblood’s tenure, the university improved its image and increased its clout in Lansing to the point where it benefited the most or very significantly in a number of funding situations. In 2007, State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) credited Youngblood with much behind-the-scenes effort when he announced that LSSU benefited the most in the 2007 House bill for higher education funding.

Youngblood consistently made friends for LSSU and very effectively presented the university’s case in Lansing. She is credited with winning support and securing funding for several LSSU projects in state capital outlay bills. With the help of former State Representative Scott Shackleton (R-Sault Ste. Marie), Youngblood was successful in securing an additional $4 million for the LSSU Arts Center as well as funds to upgrade the university’s electrical system.

Some milestones during Youngblood’s tenure include:

Construction of the $15.3 million Arts Center began in September 2002. The facility was completed in 2004. Due to budget constraints, the dedication was delayed until September 2005. Early performances included the Detroit Symphony and Maya Angelou.
National Hockey League star and LSSU alumnus Doug Weight donated $200,000 in 2002 to endow a hockey scholarship. This donation was the first of many secured during Youngblood’s tenure, as she placed more and more emphasis on securing private support to make up for declining state support.
The athletic training education program was accredited in 2004.
The Health Care Center was renovated in 2004 to provide more and improved services to students, faculty, staff and the public.
A three-year implementation of the administrative software system known as Banner started in 2004.
A master’s degree program in curriculum and instruction was added in 2005, representing the first graduate degree since discontinuation of the MBA several years ago.
A three-year study of the St. Mary’s River environment began in 2005 with the support of a grant of $715,000 from the United States EPA.
Renovations at the Walker Cisler Center included the addition of a café, an improved student union area, and office/studio space for student radio WLSO.
A $300,000 private campaign to replace the floor in the Cooper Gymnasium was completed in 2007.
The environmental health degree program was accredited in 2007, making it the only accredited undergraduate program in the state.

The Lowman Years, 2007-2009

Rodney L. Lowman Ph.D. was Lake Superior State University’s sixth president.

He came to LSSU from Alliant International University, where he was provost and vice president for Academic Affairs and earlier had been dean and professor in Alliant’s California School of Organizational Studies (now Marshall Goldsmith School of Management). He also has served as director of Alliant’s Organizational Consulting Center, a university-based consulting firm.

His professional experience includes service as department head and professor of psychology and consulting. Early in his professional career, Dr. Lowman was a faculty member at the Institute for Social Research and Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan.

Dr. Lowman has written or edited nine books and monographs, has edited two professional journals, published over 100 articles and book chapters, and has made hundreds of juried professional presentations all over the world.

His doctoral and master’s degrees are in psychology, both from Michigan State University. He also holds a bachelor of arts in psychology from University of Oklahoma and a bachelor’s degree in business from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Lowman also completed an APA-approved Clinical Psychology internship at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, formerly the APA-approved Texas Research Institute of Mental Sciences.

Dr. Lowman was born in Oklahoma, where his father served in the US Air Force. He and his wife, Linda, also a trained psychologist and psychiatric nurse, have one daughter, Marissa.